[zebraman55]

Stripes:

Have worked umpire for many years, even as a young official starting out on a young crew. Love it! But, I have also worked on a regular basis both wings and the referee spot.

There is no question that the wing position allows you to see more of the play develop, provides a better opportunity to read keys and focus on initial blocks. At umpire, everything happens more quickly! Keys are still very important, and you focus is on the snapper and guards initially, then move to include the tackles. Although there might be less sprinting, there remains plenty of exercise at umpire.

Believe me, getrting knocked down is part of the game, you must know when to move and not to move, read the runners eyes and anticipate which way he may be going. Watch the umpires in the college game of the week. Once they settle on their position prior to the snap, there is very little movement if the play comes at them, And, if it does, the best move is to step towards the runner and then to one side, not backward.

I would advise you to try it sometime! If the opportunity arises in an underclass game, try it. Get the experience! If nothing else, it provides a different view of the game.